I'm looking at my last blog post and I didn't write any New Years Resolutions last year, only an update! I'm sure I wrote them somewhere else, but without them here, I don't have the standard reflection on whether I "achieved" anything or not. Either way, here is an update on all that went well and also not so well in 2017.
I moved to Argentina.
Obviously this took a huge amount of adjustment, focus, and determination. Setting up new business relationships, chasing after as many different jobs as possible, fighting for fair wages, realizing that Argentina is a whole different animal, and in effect, moved into an entirely different social class. Changing my diet, completely losing an exercise routine, learning to live in a smaller space, learning to live with a person from a very different culture.
The main feeling that persists but also remains exciting is one of being in an upside down world. Maybe not upside down. Essentially everything I had in the United States exists in some form in Argentina. But all of my senses have gone through an adjustment period because everything is just slightly off. I could write for my entire life about this feeling. But for now, I will just write a little about what I accomplished, where I traveled, and what I would like to do in this next year.
The year started with intensive Spanish classes with Cintia y Clau. I took the classes with Lizzie and soon found that I 1. was not quite advanced enough to be in her class and 2. was running out of money at a rapid rate. I loved the classes but had to quit after about 3 weeks. From there, I started working at the same institute but in the English department for our summer session. I had a beautiful class and had so much fun. My two Mario's, the university student who looks exactly like Messi and a friend, Jorge. This was the introduction to my not really know the English language as well as I thought. Fiona and I shadowed Steph, but I realized I had a long way to go to feel fully in command of the topic at hand.
Either way, I did my best, and we had a great summer session. I may have started some yoga at this point. I know I played soccer a couple times until I eventually hurt my ankle. The early months are a bit of a blur. I was very shy and defeated after I stopped taking Spanish classes because I didn't know how to continue with my development in the way that I wanted. I started searching for other jobs and found one for business English and one in a photography school. This created some scheduling conflicts but eventually got sorted and I moved into a new routine.
The beginning of the school session started in March and from the jump, I had a conversation class Monday night, Pre-inter right after. Tues/Thurs was a private with Gus and then a half hour break and then upper intermediate. Right away I struggled with my upper and loved my pre class. The learning curve was steep and I was flying by the seat of my pants. At this point I was still walking to all of my classes. The business classes were at Rofex and Soteica in Puerto Norte. I eventually quit the Rofex class as it didn't jive with my schedule.
We lived on Mendoza y Rodriguez entre Callao. I will never forget saying that but maybe I will. I walked on Blvd Orono a lot more then. I eventually became more comfortable going to my vegetable store and the Salumeria across the street. During the early times, I did not like to hang out with Lucas's friends because I always felt like the stupid one and struggled to put myself out there. Even the girl across the street at the Salumeria. She was kind to me and told me to come over anytime, but I didn't because I was ashamed. Because I never had a deadline or date of departure, I just figured I would eventually get used to things in Argentina and allowed myself to be painfully shy and anti-social. I got a massage with Marile at around the 3 or 4 month mark -- I had met her because I hurt my ankle and she helped me. Lucas bought me that massage for my birthday I think. It was very emotional but afterwards, Lucas was kind to me and I stayed hopeful.
During this time, we were kayaking a bit. One trip in particular I remember taking with Javi. Lucas introduced me to his business partner Oscar, who has never seemed to like me, to this day, really. We did not see his family a lot but his sister in law and cousin Ana Clara were very kind to me and always reached out. Ana Clara liked to practice English and I would grow frustrated at wanting to improve my English. I isolated myself a bit.
At the end of summer party for EinR I met Junia, a Brazilian who was more advanced in speaking than me, but who instantly reminded me of Kelsey and made me feel like I had a friend. I didn't end up hanging out with Junia as consistently as I thought I would but through Junia, I started hanging out with my original Spanish teacher Cintia, and we became fast friends from there. Cintia would become my strong hold. My rock in Argentina.
At one point, I met Noe. This must have been at Corrie's birthday party out in Funes. Mike and her were still at a point where they were "comfortable" hanging out after their breakup and on the drive home, we got to talking about tango. I became extremely excited about the idea of trying it out. And she later invited me to go. I would later fall in love with tango, attend a ton of Monday night classes, but later lose steam as I was a bit creeped out by some of the boys but more significantly, probably felt ashamed or like I wasn't learning fast enough. Sometimes, one needs a break from feeling like THE idiot all the time. Either way, Noe and I were kindred spirit and reconnected later in the year.
Perhaps halfway through the year, I started teaching morning classes with Min Soo and Mariano. This led me to start going over to Lucas's uncle's house, Tio Ernesto, to talk about literature and writing and whatever we could find in common that I could comprehend in Spanish. Also kindred spirits, we seemed to just have a deeper understanding then most people. Though our lunch dates stopped after awhile, the connection remains.
From there, I met Shubi, a Mongolian contortionist who had taken classes with Cintia. She asked Cintia if she knew someone who could give private English classes and I became her teacher. She started coming over to my house and I started teaching her from there. From the very beginning.
I just realized I'm missing a couple jobs. When I first arrived, I also arranged to babysit for a family who wanted their kid to learn English. Georgina and Rafi and the grandmother was always there. I did not like the situation and eventually moved on.
The other job was a connection through Junia. A Brazilian who wanted private English classes. I would go to her house, Vivi, and her little dog would yip and turn. They lived closer to the river. She eventually failed her medical test. Later dropped out because she got pregnant and I believe returned to Brazil.
Anyway, back to the Shubi era. The English classes for Shubi eventually stopped as we started a Spanish classes at UNR - Facultad de Humanidades. The greatest class of all time with profe Natatlia that eventually led to a wonderful friendship and intercambio with Natatlia. The greatest and kindest person I have maybe ever known. She is pure, and Argentine, and full of adventure.
This is getting to the point of 8 or 9 months. Maybe even more. By this time, we were starting the process to move. A month before hand was very bad as the stress was intense and communication poor. I was also extremely sad to leave the first apartment. We eventually moved to Zeballos entre Mitre y Entre Rios.
At some point, I went to Texas for my brother's graduation. This was my 6 month passport refresh. By this time, I had given up on yoga after trying from many different studios. When I came back from Texas, I pretty much completely quit tango as well.
Fiona left at some point in here and eventually Amanda came around. Eventually became more and more friendly with the EinR staff. Jaqui, Flav especially.
Another thing I haven't mentioned yet is all the trips I took in between. For my birthday trip and three month passport refresh, I went to Buenos Aires and Montevideo, Uruguay with my friend Ashley who was one of the first to come down to see me. This was a wonderful feeling for me because I felt much more capable than I had during my entire time so far in Argentina. I had to take care of Ashley in a way and felt freer to chat and utilize the skills I'd learned thus far. We went to the cemetery, book stores, and took the ferry and then bused to the capitol city of Uruguay. People with mate EVERYWHERE in the streets.
I also went to Santa Fe twice last year to visit with Adrian and his family who moved there from Venezuala. Each time was a very transformative experience for me. To feel that family connection and be around kids and asados and people beginning their lives. Their giving spirit despite my limitation in communicating was deeply moving to me. I also was able to feel the difference from the first time I visited to the last. My communication skills improved immensely and it gave me the ability to ask more questions and be a little less shy.
Lucas and I took one trip to Victoria, the most beautiful and tiny town in Entre Rios. The three days we spent there were calm and silly. Time spent golfing on a mini-golf course right on the hotel grounds. Teaching each other card games. Taking kid bikes to ride the hills of the town. We went to the most beautiful church I have ever seen in my life. Rose glow everywhere; I was practically converted on the spot. The drives to and from Victoria were in Lucas's mom's car and she has the best music to listen to Leon someone, and M. Rosa. Listening to this kind of passion, latin music straight from the belly of oppression and looking out at the beautiful landscape of Entre Rios made me beyond thankful for the privilege of this experience.
Lots of Moka and so many laughs with Cintia over the year.
At my 9 month refresh, I just paid a fine to remain in Argentina for an extra 90 days. Somewhere around this time, we were moved into the new place and I was adjusting, taking buses much more but also starting to become a Rosario bicyclist. Perhaps the only one in Rosario who always wears a helmet, I am thankful to have one as the path is intense.
In October, I spent 2-3 weeks in Valparaiso and Vina del Mar in Chile. A beautiful experience and great opportunity to travel outside of the country alone. That trip is beyond words, but I will never forget my time there. When I came back, I had the distinct feeling of: thank god I'm back in Argentina, such a relief to go back to the ease. Since I've never felt that feeling about Argentina, I thought that was really remarkable.
After this time, I started realizing I had less and less time to be with friends until I left for the holiday in the USA. Spring found it's way to Rosario and I crawled out of my sad cocoon and really started to build a relationship with my lovely and patient boss. Very thankful for that one. I just tried to start putting myself out there more in general and all of my relationships improved during this time. Towards the end of the year, I got back into soccer a bit, saw my favorite tango singer sing, had the best intercambio con Natalia, and just had a lot more fun in general.
The year ended the way it started: with an intensive Spanish class with Cintia and Clau. This time, the students were more at my level, two Frenchie's, and the cutest German girl. These kids were about the university age and they were just so bright and quick to learn that I really became re-inspired to teach their specific age. Such life and hope is truly wonderful to be around. It was also just fantastic to be around two great teachers. Cintia and Clau are so different, but both of them teach me how to be a better teacher in the process of teaching Spanish.
I'm trying to think if there were any other significant happenings. I fought with Lucas a lot. Being so close together in the apartment and transitioning from a 100% long distance relationship, compounded by the fact that we both are so hard-headed and particular brought us a year of passionate disagreement. I've never learned so much about myself in a relationship and it's been a great opportunity to get to know someone so deeply. Always room for improvement but we are onto the next year, and I feel pretty darn relaxed about it.
Oh! I forgot about my private lesson with Fani. These lasted about 2 months as I had reached a point of frustration with Spanish and just felt like I needed to make moves. We worked together twice a week and though we eventually stopped, I most enjoyed getting to know Fani in between the lessons.
Subbed for Tuesday morning classes for Steph in Sept. and met three very kind students at Velocity.
Ummmm, for now I think that's it.
So, now I have to decide what I want to achieve/make happen in the new year. These will be very similar to goals from the past but with added emphasis on a couple goals. I always know I'm moving in the right direction, but this year seems like it will be a turning point for me.
1. Bolivia
2. Contact past professors for support
3. Complete grad school apps
4. Colombia
5. Gain residency status in Argentina and teach at the university level
6. Continue soccer and tango
7. Start doing yoga consistently at home
8. Cut my hair really short
9. Make my apartment feel homey
10. Take a Spanish exam
Will update next year.
I moved to Argentina.
Obviously this took a huge amount of adjustment, focus, and determination. Setting up new business relationships, chasing after as many different jobs as possible, fighting for fair wages, realizing that Argentina is a whole different animal, and in effect, moved into an entirely different social class. Changing my diet, completely losing an exercise routine, learning to live in a smaller space, learning to live with a person from a very different culture.
The main feeling that persists but also remains exciting is one of being in an upside down world. Maybe not upside down. Essentially everything I had in the United States exists in some form in Argentina. But all of my senses have gone through an adjustment period because everything is just slightly off. I could write for my entire life about this feeling. But for now, I will just write a little about what I accomplished, where I traveled, and what I would like to do in this next year.
The year started with intensive Spanish classes with Cintia y Clau. I took the classes with Lizzie and soon found that I 1. was not quite advanced enough to be in her class and 2. was running out of money at a rapid rate. I loved the classes but had to quit after about 3 weeks. From there, I started working at the same institute but in the English department for our summer session. I had a beautiful class and had so much fun. My two Mario's, the university student who looks exactly like Messi and a friend, Jorge. This was the introduction to my not really know the English language as well as I thought. Fiona and I shadowed Steph, but I realized I had a long way to go to feel fully in command of the topic at hand.
Either way, I did my best, and we had a great summer session. I may have started some yoga at this point. I know I played soccer a couple times until I eventually hurt my ankle. The early months are a bit of a blur. I was very shy and defeated after I stopped taking Spanish classes because I didn't know how to continue with my development in the way that I wanted. I started searching for other jobs and found one for business English and one in a photography school. This created some scheduling conflicts but eventually got sorted and I moved into a new routine.
The beginning of the school session started in March and from the jump, I had a conversation class Monday night, Pre-inter right after. Tues/Thurs was a private with Gus and then a half hour break and then upper intermediate. Right away I struggled with my upper and loved my pre class. The learning curve was steep and I was flying by the seat of my pants. At this point I was still walking to all of my classes. The business classes were at Rofex and Soteica in Puerto Norte. I eventually quit the Rofex class as it didn't jive with my schedule.
We lived on Mendoza y Rodriguez entre Callao. I will never forget saying that but maybe I will. I walked on Blvd Orono a lot more then. I eventually became more comfortable going to my vegetable store and the Salumeria across the street. During the early times, I did not like to hang out with Lucas's friends because I always felt like the stupid one and struggled to put myself out there. Even the girl across the street at the Salumeria. She was kind to me and told me to come over anytime, but I didn't because I was ashamed. Because I never had a deadline or date of departure, I just figured I would eventually get used to things in Argentina and allowed myself to be painfully shy and anti-social. I got a massage with Marile at around the 3 or 4 month mark -- I had met her because I hurt my ankle and she helped me. Lucas bought me that massage for my birthday I think. It was very emotional but afterwards, Lucas was kind to me and I stayed hopeful.
During this time, we were kayaking a bit. One trip in particular I remember taking with Javi. Lucas introduced me to his business partner Oscar, who has never seemed to like me, to this day, really. We did not see his family a lot but his sister in law and cousin Ana Clara were very kind to me and always reached out. Ana Clara liked to practice English and I would grow frustrated at wanting to improve my English. I isolated myself a bit.
At the end of summer party for EinR I met Junia, a Brazilian who was more advanced in speaking than me, but who instantly reminded me of Kelsey and made me feel like I had a friend. I didn't end up hanging out with Junia as consistently as I thought I would but through Junia, I started hanging out with my original Spanish teacher Cintia, and we became fast friends from there. Cintia would become my strong hold. My rock in Argentina.
At one point, I met Noe. This must have been at Corrie's birthday party out in Funes. Mike and her were still at a point where they were "comfortable" hanging out after their breakup and on the drive home, we got to talking about tango. I became extremely excited about the idea of trying it out. And she later invited me to go. I would later fall in love with tango, attend a ton of Monday night classes, but later lose steam as I was a bit creeped out by some of the boys but more significantly, probably felt ashamed or like I wasn't learning fast enough. Sometimes, one needs a break from feeling like THE idiot all the time. Either way, Noe and I were kindred spirit and reconnected later in the year.
Perhaps halfway through the year, I started teaching morning classes with Min Soo and Mariano. This led me to start going over to Lucas's uncle's house, Tio Ernesto, to talk about literature and writing and whatever we could find in common that I could comprehend in Spanish. Also kindred spirits, we seemed to just have a deeper understanding then most people. Though our lunch dates stopped after awhile, the connection remains.
From there, I met Shubi, a Mongolian contortionist who had taken classes with Cintia. She asked Cintia if she knew someone who could give private English classes and I became her teacher. She started coming over to my house and I started teaching her from there. From the very beginning.
I just realized I'm missing a couple jobs. When I first arrived, I also arranged to babysit for a family who wanted their kid to learn English. Georgina and Rafi and the grandmother was always there. I did not like the situation and eventually moved on.
The other job was a connection through Junia. A Brazilian who wanted private English classes. I would go to her house, Vivi, and her little dog would yip and turn. They lived closer to the river. She eventually failed her medical test. Later dropped out because she got pregnant and I believe returned to Brazil.
Anyway, back to the Shubi era. The English classes for Shubi eventually stopped as we started a Spanish classes at UNR - Facultad de Humanidades. The greatest class of all time with profe Natatlia that eventually led to a wonderful friendship and intercambio with Natatlia. The greatest and kindest person I have maybe ever known. She is pure, and Argentine, and full of adventure.
This is getting to the point of 8 or 9 months. Maybe even more. By this time, we were starting the process to move. A month before hand was very bad as the stress was intense and communication poor. I was also extremely sad to leave the first apartment. We eventually moved to Zeballos entre Mitre y Entre Rios.
At some point, I went to Texas for my brother's graduation. This was my 6 month passport refresh. By this time, I had given up on yoga after trying from many different studios. When I came back from Texas, I pretty much completely quit tango as well.
Fiona left at some point in here and eventually Amanda came around. Eventually became more and more friendly with the EinR staff. Jaqui, Flav especially.
Another thing I haven't mentioned yet is all the trips I took in between. For my birthday trip and three month passport refresh, I went to Buenos Aires and Montevideo, Uruguay with my friend Ashley who was one of the first to come down to see me. This was a wonderful feeling for me because I felt much more capable than I had during my entire time so far in Argentina. I had to take care of Ashley in a way and felt freer to chat and utilize the skills I'd learned thus far. We went to the cemetery, book stores, and took the ferry and then bused to the capitol city of Uruguay. People with mate EVERYWHERE in the streets.
I also went to Santa Fe twice last year to visit with Adrian and his family who moved there from Venezuala. Each time was a very transformative experience for me. To feel that family connection and be around kids and asados and people beginning their lives. Their giving spirit despite my limitation in communicating was deeply moving to me. I also was able to feel the difference from the first time I visited to the last. My communication skills improved immensely and it gave me the ability to ask more questions and be a little less shy.
Lucas and I took one trip to Victoria, the most beautiful and tiny town in Entre Rios. The three days we spent there were calm and silly. Time spent golfing on a mini-golf course right on the hotel grounds. Teaching each other card games. Taking kid bikes to ride the hills of the town. We went to the most beautiful church I have ever seen in my life. Rose glow everywhere; I was practically converted on the spot. The drives to and from Victoria were in Lucas's mom's car and she has the best music to listen to Leon someone, and M. Rosa. Listening to this kind of passion, latin music straight from the belly of oppression and looking out at the beautiful landscape of Entre Rios made me beyond thankful for the privilege of this experience.
Lots of Moka and so many laughs with Cintia over the year.
At my 9 month refresh, I just paid a fine to remain in Argentina for an extra 90 days. Somewhere around this time, we were moved into the new place and I was adjusting, taking buses much more but also starting to become a Rosario bicyclist. Perhaps the only one in Rosario who always wears a helmet, I am thankful to have one as the path is intense.
In October, I spent 2-3 weeks in Valparaiso and Vina del Mar in Chile. A beautiful experience and great opportunity to travel outside of the country alone. That trip is beyond words, but I will never forget my time there. When I came back, I had the distinct feeling of: thank god I'm back in Argentina, such a relief to go back to the ease. Since I've never felt that feeling about Argentina, I thought that was really remarkable.
After this time, I started realizing I had less and less time to be with friends until I left for the holiday in the USA. Spring found it's way to Rosario and I crawled out of my sad cocoon and really started to build a relationship with my lovely and patient boss. Very thankful for that one. I just tried to start putting myself out there more in general and all of my relationships improved during this time. Towards the end of the year, I got back into soccer a bit, saw my favorite tango singer sing, had the best intercambio con Natalia, and just had a lot more fun in general.
The year ended the way it started: with an intensive Spanish class with Cintia and Clau. This time, the students were more at my level, two Frenchie's, and the cutest German girl. These kids were about the university age and they were just so bright and quick to learn that I really became re-inspired to teach their specific age. Such life and hope is truly wonderful to be around. It was also just fantastic to be around two great teachers. Cintia and Clau are so different, but both of them teach me how to be a better teacher in the process of teaching Spanish.
I'm trying to think if there were any other significant happenings. I fought with Lucas a lot. Being so close together in the apartment and transitioning from a 100% long distance relationship, compounded by the fact that we both are so hard-headed and particular brought us a year of passionate disagreement. I've never learned so much about myself in a relationship and it's been a great opportunity to get to know someone so deeply. Always room for improvement but we are onto the next year, and I feel pretty darn relaxed about it.
Oh! I forgot about my private lesson with Fani. These lasted about 2 months as I had reached a point of frustration with Spanish and just felt like I needed to make moves. We worked together twice a week and though we eventually stopped, I most enjoyed getting to know Fani in between the lessons.
Subbed for Tuesday morning classes for Steph in Sept. and met three very kind students at Velocity.
Ummmm, for now I think that's it.
So, now I have to decide what I want to achieve/make happen in the new year. These will be very similar to goals from the past but with added emphasis on a couple goals. I always know I'm moving in the right direction, but this year seems like it will be a turning point for me.
1. Bolivia
2. Contact past professors for support
3. Complete grad school apps
4. Colombia
5. Gain residency status in Argentina and teach at the university level
6. Continue soccer and tango
7. Start doing yoga consistently at home
8. Cut my hair really short
9. Make my apartment feel homey
10. Take a Spanish exam
Will update next year.
